The home of a South Norwood mum was raided by police last week in the hunt for missing youngster Madeleine McCann.

An anonymous tip-off from a person in Leicestershire led police officers to Debbie Seepersad's home in Merton Road at around 1.30pm on Wednesday afternoon.

The 40-year-old said she was called while out collecting her daughter from school by police who told her they had information suggesting Madeleine was in her house. By the time the call was made the search was over and it was clear she had no connection with the disappearance.

Four-year-old Madeleine went missing from a holiday apartment in Praia da Luz, Portugal, on May 3 - five days after arriving there with mum Kate, dad Gerry and twin siblings Sean and Amelie. Since then an international hunt and campaign has been launched.

Miss Seepersad, who was on her way to collect 12-year-old Maressa from a school in Penge when she received the call from police, said she was "shocked" by the search raid.

"I kept thinking it was a wind up," she added. "But I picked up my daughter and rushed back to the house and the police were there."

When she got there she was met by officers who had changed her locks. They handed over a new set of keys having found nothing in the house.

She added: "They said that because no-one answered the door when they knocked, they called through to their superiors and were told to gain entrance to the house.

"The house didn't look too bad when I got inside, although my daughter's bedroom had been ransacked a bit. The letter box on the door needs to be fixed though. I really thought it was a wind up and I'm still in shock."

Miss Seepersad said that although she understands why police carried out the search on her house, she would like a formal apology in writing.

She said: "I can understand why they did it. If it were my daughter I'd want them to knock on everyone's door. What irritates me is that they're not revealing their sources.

"They were kind of apologetic but it is an invasion of privacy. Anyone could call up the police and give them anyone's address.

"I would like to know what happens to the person who gives false information. What did they tell them to convince them of this information?"

Croydon Police confirmed they were involved in the search and were acting on instructions from Leicestershire Police who are handling the British side of the search for Madeleine.

A Leicestershire Police spokeswoman said she could not comment on what was a continuing investigation but officers would contact Miss Seepersad.

"Leicestershire Constabulary is one of a number of UK law enforcement agencies who are supporting the Portuguese authorities with their investigation into the disappearance of four-year-old Madeleine McCann," the spokeswoman said.

"Our role is to complete and coordinate UK-based enquiries at the request of the Portuguese authorities.

"Since Madeleine went missing, we have worked with colleagues in police forces across the country to undertake a number of enquiries on behalf of the Portuguese authorities.

"Since these enquiries all form part of the Portuguese investigation, it would be inappropriate for us to comment further.

"Officers will, however, be speaking to Ms Seepersad with regard to the concerns she has expressed."

If you have any information about the disappearance of Madeleine call the British police on 0800 096 1233, Portuguese police on 00351 282 405 400 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.